What information does an adjuster need to collect during an initial claim investigation?

An adjuster must collect details of the incident, witness statements, and relevant documents during an initial claim investigation to accurately assess the claim. Gathering specifics about how the incident occurred helps establish facts surrounding the claim, which is critical for determining liability and coverage. Witness statements provide additional perspectives that can clarify the situation and corroborate the facts as reported by the insured. Relevant documents, such as photographs, police reports, and any applicable contracts or agreements, provide essential evidence that supports the claims being made. Together, this information forms a comprehensive view of the claim, enabling the adjuster to make informed decisions regarding the next steps in the claims process.

While understanding the policyholder's financial status and previous claims history might assist in evaluating the potential risk and the context of the claim, it is not part of the initial investigation's primary focus. Similarly, current market values of similar property and overall claim trends within the insurance company are valuable for underwriting and actuarial assessments but do not pertain to the immediate facts necessary for dealing with the specific claim at hand.